April 2018 empties #2

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Hello and welcome to my second empties post for the month!

I wanted to sneak another one in now because we're heading away for ten days next week and we're not back until the 28th, so I mightn't manage to get another empties post in between now and then - unless I do a holiday empties post, which I might. We'll see.

Let's not waste time and just get started.


Thalgo Cold Cream Marine, Nutri Soothing Cream

Full review here. This came as a GWP and I quite liked it. It's the only thing I've tried from Thalgo so it was a good introduction to the brand, and while I wouldn't necessarily rush out and buy a bunch of stuff from the range, I'll certainly be looking out for more GWPs in future.

It's a rich, white cream with a soft fragrance that reminds me of the ocean. It's thick and nicely hydrating, plus it leaves a coating on the skin so it has a protective element and it was a good one to use overnight. I think it's a good pick for dry skin as we head into cooler weather, although it's not the most amazing thing I've ever put on my face so I wouldn't necessarily buy it. Purchase? Maybe.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer

This was on my Project Pan list for months so I won't go on about it too much here but I will say that, so far, it's the best pore-plugging primer I've tried and I'm looking forward to comparing it to some of the other 'big hitters' on the market. I've reviewed it here.

I like that it smooths out the surface of the skin and that it isn't too drying or slippery, which is a problem I've often found with primers like these. I also like that it doesn't clog pores and it's one I recommend testing if you have dry skin and often struggle to find silicone-based primers that don't dry you out. Repurchase? Maybe.


Revlon Uniq One All in One Hair Treatment

Full review here. I've used this product before and didn't like it, and years later I tried it again and disliked it just as much. That's why it was on my Project Pan list.

It weighs my hair down, doesn't do anything for me (like manage frizz or add shine) and in the end the best use I found for it was as an air freshener. Why? It had a strong smell that I didn't mind and it also lasted well so it was a great one to spray in the loo, the nappy bin, the kitchen bin etc. Purchase? No.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Fragrance

I've been through at least three of these by now and I've finally accepted that this will be my last bottle. I love the scent, always have, but it just doesn't last - which means I need to spray it every hour or two and I don't have time for that.

Still, it smells beautifully fresh and it's reasonably priced, so if you don't mind frequent applications, it's one to test next time you're in the chemist. Repurchase? No.


Darphin HydraSkin Rich Cream

Full review here. This is one of those products that's great for very dry skin but I wouldn't recommend it if you have oily or even normal skin: it'll be too heavy for you.

Indeed, it's too heavy for my dry skin most of the time, but there are periods each year when I need something super rich and nourishing, and this is it. If you tend to get sensitive, flaky or red skin during the colder months, then I recommend grabbing a sample of this when you can. Nothing targets dry patches quite like this does, and I love that it has a 24-month shelf-life because a tub of this will see me through two years of occasional use. Repurchase? Yes.

Emu Bay Lavender Massage Balm

This was kindly given to me by one of Mum's friends after I had my second child, and I did plan to review it but ended up not doing so because I never used it as a massage balm: with two toddlers, my whole body is wrecked by the end of the day so I don't have the energy to massage anyone, and I've always hated massages so I don't want anyone to massage me.

I used it as a foot balm. It was fine for that although by the end it had dried my skin out so I wouldn't recommend it long-term. I'm sure it's great as a massage balm, though, so it's one to keep in mind if you like homegrown Australian products and the smell of lavender. Purchase? No.


Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Full review here. This is an HG product of mine and it has been for years. This particular sample arrived in a Mecca Beauty Loop Box, which saved me a purchase so that's always a plus. I will have to buy another one, but I'll wait until I've finished more products first.

It's a fantastic mask. It does everything it says it will do - brightens, smooths and plumps up the skin - and I always look my best after I've used it. Otherwise there's not much to say. It's a cult-favourite for a reason. Repurchase? Yes.

Zelens Triple Action Advanced Eye Cream

This was sent to me for review, which was very exciting because Zelens is a good (and expensive) brand - but unfortunately I didn't like it at all and can't recommend it. I've reviewed it here.

My issue with this is that it's so heavy on the silicone so on me it operates more as a pore/line-filling primer, and I suppose there's a place for that but not at $200 AUD for 15ml. Especially because the damn thing doesn't do the one thing it's meant to do: hydrate my eye area. Indeed, it dries it out. I got through this by using it as a face primer. What a waste. Purchase? No.


La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil

This is one of those products that I wasn't expecting to love because it doesn't look like much, but my dry body skin has absolutely loved it and I've been through two tubes now. Full review here

It smells nice in a gentle way and it lathers beautifully - much better than other shower oils I've tried - plus a little goes a long way so my tube lasted for ages. It leaves my skin feeling soft, clean and hydrated, and it's been a great product to keep my body happy throughout winter. Recommended. Repurchase? Yes.

Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream

I really enjoyed this and I may well buy it: it's perfect for those who need good moisture but don't want anything with bells and whistles. Full review here

It's a white cream with a fresh floral scent. It's lightweight and it sits beautifully under makeup, and it somehow manages to be very nourishing without being too heavy or clogging pores.

I love that it feels beautifully soothing, refreshing and cooling when applied, and although it hasn't done anything specific for me (eg, reduced the look of wrinkles), it has kept my dry skin feeling moisturised and comfortable - which is all I really need it to do. Purchase? Yes.

In sum

Well, this wasn't an easy post for me because I had three hours' sleep last night and even less the night before (damn chronic insomnia, will I ever escape it?), but we got there in the end so that's something.

My favourite items in this lot are those from Ren, Alpha-H, Darphin and La Roche-Posay - all of which I plan to buy again at some point.

Do let me know in the comments if you've finished anything amazing this month: I'd love to hear.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x


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